As part of the New 52, DC revived the "National Comics" from the 1940s in order to highlight on lesser known characters in its comic universe. In addition to Rose/Thorn, readers get to learn about Eternity, Madame X and Looker.

Though these stories are labeled as "one-shots," meaning the story should start and end between the glossy pages of that edition, many have cliffhangers. Some speculate that is because DC is trying to gauge the interest in the titles. I say, why not?

In "Rose & Thorn," we learn that Rose lives with her aunt Cate and her cat, Mister Mittens, after coming out of an institution (it isn't clear for what or what type) not too long ago. She wakes up in a panic to find she is covered in someone else's blood, has a tattoo and keeps coming in late every night.

At school it doesn't get any better. The popular girls start talking to her, hinting at the fact that something happened last night. Rose apparently kissed Troy, a popular boy. She then passes out in science class, and then learns that she kissed her only friend at the school, Melinda.

Rose then leaves school to track what she did last night, and with a combination of flashbacks and "Facelook" posts from Thorn (yes, her alter ego created a social media page), she figures out the truth. Thorn tells Rose she will be tracking down what happened to their father (it was revealed that he was possibly murdered), and it would be easier for her to cooperate.

The storyline, by Tom Taylor, had just enough suspense and information that it makes me beg for more. He used an great idea of interjecting flashbacks in a unique way, and having Rose obsess about certain facts she knows by not just thinking it but visualizing it for her and the reader. I wish this wasn't a one-shot and it isn't written like one. That is good and bad, because if DC decides to continue with the title, all is well. But if they stick to the one-shot perimeters, then Taylor should have tied things up a little more. It does end on a "next-scene" note, so it isn't too terribly abrupt.

The art, done by Neil Googe, is fantastic. Googe's visualization is amazing, with just the movement of a blanket is dramatic and enticing. He really shows expression on his characters' faces, and even with using the wide-cartoon eyes and other very cartoony elements, I don't feel like it looks kiddish.

He also pays attention to the background, which adds depth to the storyline and also many Easter eggs. There are a lot of Wonder Woman pieces in the background, which I love, being a Wonder Woman fan. Plus, he adds variety to the panels, using a smartphone for one, and keeping the character upright as her world behind her tumbles to show how she fainted.

There are a few panels I didn't like, such as when the blood is coming off her hands but it looks like her skin is melting away (her arms also are too skinny in the panel.) Also, her body looks more like a full-formed adult woman, not a teenager, and it is way too sexist of a body type while in the shower. Not all teens have perfectly formed, C-cup boobs and curves just so.

All in all, I loved this title -- both the story and the art. Hopefully DC will continue with "Rose & Thorn," but in the meantime, pick this one up at your local comic book store.

Comic Book Wednesday showcases a variety of visually based books that fit into this wide category, to give a taste of this other form of reading.